Quick Answer
The best time to begin hunting fitness training depends on the individual's current fitness level and the hunting season's duration, but typically starts 6-12 months before the season begins, with a focus on building a strong foundation in cardio, leg strength, and pack weight training.
Establishing a Foundation
When starting your hunting fitness training, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation in cardio, leg strength, and pack weight training. This typically begins 6-12 months before the hunting season, allowing for a gradual build-up of endurance and strength. For those new to hunting fitness, start with 30-minute cardio sessions, 2-3 times a week, and incorporate strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts, targeting leg muscles 2-3 times a week.
Building Mountain Conditioning
As the hunting season approaches, focus on building mountain conditioning by incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and hill sprints into your cardio routine. Aim for 1-2 hours of cardio per session, 2-3 times a week, and incorporate strength training exercises that simulate carrying a backpack, such as weighted lunges and step-ups. For example, try incorporating 3 sets of 10 reps of weighted step-ups with a 20-30 lb backpack.
Conditioning for Pack Weight Training
To prepare for pack weight training, focus on building functional strength in your core, shoulders, and back muscles. Incorporate exercises like weighted carries, rows, and planks into your routine, targeting these muscle groups 2-3 times a week. For example, try incorporating 3 sets of 10 reps of weighted carries (using a 20-30 lb pack) and rows (using a 20-30 lb dumbbell). This will help you build the strength and endurance needed to carry a heavy pack for extended periods.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.